Meet our Surgeons, Anaesthetists, and Sydney Office Team

MBBS (Hons), FRACS (OHNS) MS (UNSW)

Special Interests: Minimally Invasive (Endoscopic) Ear Surgery for Cholesteatoma and Chronic Ear Infection, Eustachian Tube Surgery, Cochlear Implant and Lateral Skull Base Surgery

Other interests: Childrens ENT Surgery, The Blocked Nose

Nirmal grew up in Newcastle and moved to Sydney for Medical School. He graduated from medical school with honours from the University of Sydney and completed his ENT Training in 2002 graduating from the New South Wales ENT Training programme. Nirmal then completed a higher degree in surgery (a Master of Surgery) with training at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and New York University, USA under the guidance of Professor Anil Lalwani. His Master of Surgery Thesis was undertaken in Gene and Stem Cell Therapy of the Inner Ear. Following this period Nirmal undertook his second post training sub-speciality period with Professor Clough Shelton (the President-Elect of the American Neuro-otology Society) learning advanced ear surgery at the University of Utah, USA.

Since returning back to Australia Nirmal has:

• Founded and is the director of the Kolling Deafness Research Centre, with his lab located at North Shore Hospital, Sydney.  The lab is focused on advancing minimally invasive (key hole) ear surgery for cholesteatoma, chronic ear disease and eustachian tube surgery.
• Nirmal was Australia’s first elected member and contributor to the International Working Group of Endoscopic Ear Surgery, which seeks to advance the technique of minimally invasive ear surgery around the world.
• Nirmal is also one of the founding members of the Sydney Endoscopic Ear Surgery (SEES) Research group, Australia’s first dedicated research group on minimally invasive ear surgery techniques.
• Along with the  SEES group runs an International Surgical Fellowship on Endoscopic Ear Surgery with the fellow located at Nirmal’s lab at the Kolling Deafness Research Centre.
• Is invited faculty and tutor at Endoscopic Ear Surgery courses and meetings around the world including Italy, Scotland, Japan, Dubai, Sharjah and the USA
• Committee member for the Indigenous Health Committee for the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.
• Runs regular Indigenous Outreach services to Western NSW.
• Nirmal has presented at 53 National or international meetings, written 35 journal articles and 5 book chapters in major ENT Text books.  His authorship interest is in Endoscopic Ear Surgery for Eustachian tube, Cholesteatoma and Lateral Skull Base Surgery.

In his spare time Nirmal enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys. Nirmal is also keen on photography, design and loves skiing.

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Specialising in Endoscopic Sinus and Nasal Airway Surgery as well as Anterior Skull Base Surgery. Other interests are Childrens Ear, Nose and Throat disorders.

Justin was born in London, but was raised in Sydney from an early age. He graduated from the University of New South Wales Medical School in 2002. He then underwent Advanced General Surgical Training, during which time he completed a Master of Medicine in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Sydney. In 2007 he began Specialist Training in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery through the NSW training scheme and subsequently became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Otolaryngology.

Justin then undertook further sub-specialty training in the field of Advanced Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Anterior Skull Base Surgery in London at Guys and St Thomas Hospitals, Kings College University Hospital and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. This Clinical Fellowship was under the mentorship of Dr David Roberts and Dr Claire Hopkins in one of the largest Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery centres in the UK and Europe. During this time in London, Justin also lectured at the Kings College London, School of Medicine.

Justin has published in numerous surgical journals and has presented at conferences both nationally and internationally. He has been an invited Chair of Rhinological Surgery Sessions in Ear, Nose and Throat Meetings in the UK. Justin has also been actively involved in the teaching of medical students and registrars, mainly through the University of Sydney as an Honorary Associate.

In his spare time, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife, playing the violin, fishing and skiing.

Specialising in Adults’ and Children’s Ear, Nose and Throat disorders, with a subspecialty interest in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery, Salivary Gland Surgery, Thyroid Surgery.

Leo graduated from the University of New South Wales Medical School in 2000, and underwent advanced training in General Surgery before completing his specialist training in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery under the auspices of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He then completed a fellowship programme in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction at Guys and St. Thomas Hospitals and Kings College University Hospital in London, United Kingdom. He trained under the mentorship of Dr. Ricard Simo and Dr. Jean-Pierre Jeannon in one of the largest cancer centres in the UK and Europe, and was responsible for the supervision and teaching of registrars and medical student at Kings College Medical School London. He is experienced in managing all types of Head and Neck conditions and cancers, including larynx, sinus and nasal cancers, salivary gland and thyroid cancers, and skin cancers. Currently he is a consultant surgeon and member of the Multi Disciplinary Head and Neck Cancer team at Royal North Shore Hospital.

Leo has published numerous research articles and has presented at various national and international cancer conferences in Australia, USA, and Europe. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Australasian Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. He is affiliated with the University of Sydney Medical School as a Senior Clinical Lecturer and is actively involved in the teaching of medical students and registrars. He is also involved in many ongoing research programs at the University and Hospital in the advancement of Head and Neck cancer treatments, with a particular interest in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) research.

In his spare time Leo enjoys soccer, music and travelling.

Dr Kirsty Morgan studied Medicine at the University of NSW and worked as a Resident Medical Officer at St George Hospital and affiliated hospitals. She went on to complete a Diploma of Paediatrics at Sydney Childrens Hospital before commencing specialist training in Anaesthesia at the Prince of Wales/Sydney Childrens hospitals.

She completed a Fellowship in Paediatric Anaesthesia at Sydney Childrens Hospital and also worked at NRMA Careflight carrying out rescues and retrievals of critically ill and injured patients around NSW.

Currently Kirsty has a diverse anaesthetic practice at several public and private hospitals around Sydney. She has a special interest in anaesthesia for:

• Ear, Nose and Throat surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive surgery
• Facial Plastic and Cosmetic surgery
• Paediatrics
• Oncology and cancer surgery
• Breast/endocrine surgery

www.mrandmrsgas.com.au
www.kirsten-morgan.com.au

Dr Griffiths graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery with first class honours. He also graduated final year with the Harold Ritchie clinical medicine prize.

Matthews anaesthetic training was conducted at Prince of Wales and Sydney Childrens Hospital. During his training he spent a significant amount of time in critical care medicine culminating with training at NRMA Careflight performing emergency medical transfer of critically ill patients and medical rescue work.

Since graduating he has gained significant experience in a wide range of anaesthesia. His special interests include:

• Plastic and Reconstructive surgery
• Oncology and cancer surgery
• Neurovascular and Endovascular surgery
• Spinal Surgery
• Ear Nose and Throat surgery
• Breast and Endocrine surgery
• Facial Plastics and Cosmetic surgery
• Preoperative preparation of high risk patients.

Summary of Qualifications

• University: MB BS (Hons) Sydney 1998
• Bpharm (Sydney)
• Anaesthetic qualifications: FANZCA 2005
• Awards: George Davidson medal for Anaesthesia 2005
• Astra Zeneca Regional Anaesthesia Award 2004
• Harold Ritchie Clinical Medicine Prize 1997
• Cedric Swanton Memorial Prize for Psychiatry 1996.

Current Appointments

• Visiting Anaesthetist Norwest Private Hospital
• Visiting Anaesthetist The Mater Private Hospital
• Visiting Anaesthetist Sydney Adventist Hospital
• Visiting Anaesthetist Hunters Hill Hospital
• Visiting Anaesthetist Prince of Wales Private Hospital

www.mrandmrsgas.com.au
www.matthew-griffiths.com.au

BMedSc(Hons) MBBS FANZCA

Dr Callum Gilchrist is an Australian-trained Anaesthetist with a major subspecialty interest in providing anaesthesia for Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery (ENT). Within this subspecialty, safely anaesthetising children, providing total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) via target controlled infusions (TCI), and managing the difficult airway are areas of focus.

He is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and an active member of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA), serving on multiple committees. Dr Gilchrist is also a member of the ANZCA Airway Management Special Interest Group, UK Difficult Airway Society, the Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine and is also a member of the Education Advisory Board of the Society for Head and Neck Anaesthesia (SHANA).

Dr Gilchrist is a keen attendee and occasional speaker at national and international conferences. He is heavily involved in teaching the next generation of ENT Anaesthetists as the Supervisor for the Head and Neck, ENT, Dental Surgery and ECT Specialised Study Unit within the ANZCA curriculum at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. He is also a leading advisor to the anaestheticgroup.com.au online portal and the convenor of the ASA’s Part 3 educational course.

Dr Gilchrist is a regular Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at Royal North Shore Hospital and anaesthetises at many of Sydney’s premier hospitals including North Shore Private Hospital, The Sydney Adventist Hospital (SAN), The Mater Hospital, Macquarie University Hospital, East Sydney Private Hospital, Northern Sydney Specialist Day Hospital and Hunters Hill Private Hospital.

Dr Gilchrist aims to ensure that patients are as well prepared for their anaesthetic as is possible. He believes that the day of surgery should never be the first time an Anaesthetist learns about any patient’s medical conditions, because at this point it’s too late to find out further information, or arrange further medical review. He asks that all patients complete his online pre-operative health questionnaire at drgilchrist.com.au to ensure that he is optimally prepared to provide his patients with the safest and most comfortable anaesthetic experience.

Outside of medicine, Dr Gilchrist enjoys kayaking, reading a good novel or biography, all things food and wine, roadtrips, anything to do with Victor Hugo, and spending time with his wife and son.

To contact Dr Gilchrist
Email: info@drgilchrist.com.au
Website: www.drgilchrist.com.au

Dr Chris Wong graduated from the University of NSW with Bachelor Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery with honours. During his training, he has completed a Master of Medicine in Clinical Epidemiolology. He underwent his specialist anaesthetic training at Westmead Hospital and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Dr Wong completed a fellowship at Liverpool Hospital in ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia while also completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Ultrasound. Since then, he has demonstrated at a number of national workshops on ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia.

Dr Wong has a wide clinical anaesthetic practice in a number of public and private hospitals in Sydney. He has special interest in:

• Ear, nose, throat surgery
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Gastrointestinal and general surgery
• Bariatric surgery
• Care of critically unwell patients

Dr Kenneth Nam graduated from University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery. Ken completed his specialist training at Canberra Hospital and Concord Hospital. During his training in anaesthesia, he also completed a Master of Medicine degree in Pain Management in Sydney University. He also holds a Master of Education degree from Sydney University.

Ken works in several public and private hospitals around Sydney. He has a special interest in anaesthesia for:

• Ear Nose and Throat surgery
• Paediatrics surgery
• Reconstructive and Cosmetic surgery
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Breast surgery

Current appointments:

• Norwest Private Hospital
• Northshore Private Hospital
• Hospital for Specialist Surgery
• Sydney Adventist Hospital
• Hornsby and Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital

Tracey – Practice Manager

Tracey has been in the health industry for nearly 30 years having worked in Hospitals and Private Practice settings. She has worked in a vast variety of roles including Reception, Personal Assistant and Practice Management. She has completed several industry courses as well as a Certificate IV in Practice Management.

In her down time she enjoys her home life as well as drawing and painting.

Email: tblackley@hillsent.com.au

Michelle – Reception/Administration

Michelle has a background in medical reception and continues to enjoy her role within the healthcare industry.

She enjoys spending time with her family, keeping fit and travelling.

Rebekah – Reception/Administration

Rebekah has a background in administration, and is currently enjoying her second role within the medical industry.

She enjoys the Arts and Language, but also loves the outdoors.

Merissa – Administration

Merissa continues to enjoy her 5th year in the healthcare industry, she looks forward to spending time with her family, friends and being outdoors and keeping fit.

Kristy Hawkins – PA for Associate Professor Nirmal Patel

Kristy has over five year’s experience in medical administration. Kristy holds a Certificate IV in Business Management and is currently studying a Diploma of Practice Management through the University of New England Partnerships.

Outside of work Kristy enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She also enjoys reading, gardening, and movies.

Email: khawkins@hillsent.com.au

Alissa – PA for Dr Leo Pang

This is Alissa’s second role in the Health Industry. She has more than 4 year’s experience in ophthalmology and is expanding her knowledge in ENT.

Alissa loves spending time with her friends and family, occasionally being a children’s entertainer for birthday parties, baking birthday cakes, camping and spending time at the beach.

Email: avarlet@hillsent.com.au

Diana – PA for Dr Justin Kong

Diana joined the team in early 2013.  She has a business degree and over seven years nursing experience working in a variety of settings including day surgery, radiology and surgical wards. Di has an interest in keeping up to date with developments in the ENT field through her membership at the Australian Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Nurses Group. Di maintains her nursing registration with APRHA and is also a member of the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, movies, gardening and cooking.

Email: dwalker@hillsent.com.au